Spielberg explained in a statement that the Fahrenheit 451 scribe was a huge influence on his career.

"He was my muse for the better part of my sci-fi career," The ET director said. "He lives on through his legion of fans.

"In the world of science fiction and fantasy and imagination he is immortal."

Bradbury had previously spoken of his fondness for Spielberg's work. In 2003, he told the Newark Star Ledger: "Close Encounters is the best film of its kind ever made.

"It takes too long, but the transfiguration at the end, with the splendid arrival of the mother ship - that makes up for everything. I was so amazed and changed when I saw it that I went over to the studio to tell Spielberg what a genius he was.

"And he said, 'You know, I never would have done this film if I hadn't seen [your] It Came From Outer Space when I was a kid'."